Withholding hand would stop salesman

Dear Abby: My wife and I shop at an upscale shoe store. On the past two visits there, a middle-aged salesman kissed my wife's hand when we left.

Dear Abby: My wife and I shop at an upscale shoe store. On the past two visits there, a middle-aged salesman kissed my wife's hand when we left.

I was surprised but not offended. I considered it to be nothing more than an old-fashioned expression of courtesy.

My wife, however, disagrees. She says his gesture is forward and inappropriate and that I should resent it.

Who's right?

- T.R. in Houston

Dear T.R.: You are. The kiss-on-the-hand routine might be part of the man's sales technique. If he has done it before and your wife had no objection, then it's not surprising that he did it a second time.

If she felt the gesture was inappropriate, then she shouldn't have offered her hand to him again.

Dear Abby: I hope you will share the following tips for dealing with orphaned or injured wildlife. Once people understand how to handle an encounter with an injured animal, they will make safe decisions and possibly have a positive influence on nature.

• The animal might not be orphaned. Deer leave their babies hidden in bushes or tall grass while they search for food. A baby bird that has fallen from the nest can be gently picked up and returned.

• If you find an orphaned or injured animal, be cautious. Frightened animals and those in pain will bite, and some carry rabies.

• Don't bring the animal inside to nurse it back to health. Contact a wildlife rehabilitation center.

• After any contact with an injured or orphaned animal, wash your hands and change your clothing. You don't know what germs the animal might be carrying.

• Teach children that if they find a sick or injured animal, they should tell an adult right away.

• You can make a difference. Severely injured animals might not be able to return to the wild, but many rehab centers keep them as display animals and use them to teach the public. Unless you are a veterinarian, you can't accurately determine whether an animal will survive. Animals that have no chance will be euthanized - which, in a case like that, is the kindest thing that can be done.

- Carly in Richmond Heights, Ohio

Dear Carly: I hope my readers will give your letter the consideration it deserves because it highlights the fact that sometimes people - with the best of intentions - can cause more harm than good.

If you encounter an injured animal, the wisest thing to do is contact animal control or an area shelter.